Yeshiva University Undergraduate Catalog for Men 2012-2014
Yeshiva Program/Mazer School of Talmudic Studies
The Yeshiva Program/Mazer School of Talmudic Studies (MYP) offers an undergraduate course of study in which Talmudic texts and commentaries are probed intensively in the original Aramaic and Hebrew in a classical yeshiva setting. Although the program does not lead to a degree, specified credit is transferable to all Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs at Yeshiva College and Sy Syms School of Business, regardless of the student’s major.
MYP was named through a major gift in 1979 by the Joseph and Ceil Mazer Foundation. It has been in existence as a separate entity since 1970, but is a continuation of the institution’s oldest component, the core from which the university developed. Students in MYP have varied professional and academic interests but are united in their desire to develop in Talmudic scholarship and knowledge of Halakhah (Jewish law).
The heart of the curriculum is the intensive study of Talmud and its commentaries, designed not only to give the student a firm foundation in traditional learning skills and in the handling of original texts, but also direction, in both learning and character, and to develop an appreciation of the Judaic heritage.
In addition to Talmud, there are elective classes in related texts and lectures in Mussar, which emphasize the continuity of Jewish tradition from Sinai to the present. The faculty includes graduates of the foremost yeshivot, both here and abroad, who are internationally recognized scholars.
The Jacob and Dreizel Glueck Center for Jewish Study, a six story complex, including a two-story 500 seat beit midrash and numerous classrooms and administrative offices, was built in 2009. The Glueck Center, made possible through a generous gift from the Glueck family, accommodates a growing number of students. It joins the original Harry Fischel Synagogue Study Hall, renovated in 1979 and refurbished in 1998, through a major gift by the late Joseph S. and Caroline Gruss, and the Rabbi Hyman Muss Torah Learning Center and Beit Midrash complex which was built in 1997 They remain the intellectual focus of MYP, as the Beit Midrash has always been the academic heart of the great centers of Jewish learning through the ages. An integral part of the program is the highly successful voluntary night seder (study period) in the Beit Midrash, overseen by mashgichim. Students also have the opportunity to attend bekiut shiurim (classes in additional Talmudic texts). MYP sponsors an annual Bekiut Incentive Award Program, with presidential prizes for students who master large segments of additional texts beyond the regular curriculum.
A strong complement of mashgichim/shoalim u’maishivim (counselors/teaching mentors) who staff the various Batei Midrash for regular morning and night s’darim helps students in their learning and assists newcomers in their transition to MYP from either high school or Israel.
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Yeshiva University Undergraduate Catalog for Men 2012-2014
ADMISSION
Admission regulations pertaining to Yeshiva Program/Mazer School alone are given here; those uniformly applicable to all undergraduate schools are given in the section of Admissions.
To qualify for admission to the Yeshiva Program, a student must 1) be in attendance at Yeshiva College or Sy Syms School of Business, unless the student already holds a bachelor's degree; 2) have knowledge of Hebrew (modern, medieval, and biblical); and 3) pass an oral entrance examination in the reading and comprehension of selected Talmudic passages and commentaries as well as general background in Talmud.
Applicants are placed in classes based on previous training and ability; advanced standing is given to those who have pursued Talmudic studies in college-level programs at yeshivot in the United States or Israel.
ALL DAY LEARNING PROGRAM In 2012 Yeshiva University introduced an all day learning program that enables students who have been accepted into Yeshiva College or Sy Syms School of Business to spend one year learning full time in the Yeshiva Program, with special afternoon and evening requirements prior to commencing their course of study at YC or SSSB. Students who are admitted to this program are supervised by the Program director and must complete all of the program requirements to remain in the program.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES The Student Organization of Yeshiva (SOY), representing the MYP student body, meets regularly with the administration on matters of mutual concern. SOY coordinates and sponsors such activities as Shabbatonim, holiday celebrations, charity drives, periodic sales of seforim (texts), and lectures, including a series for students and alumni during winter vacation.
SOY publishes four journals: Enayim L’Torah, on the weekly Torah portion; Bayn Kotlei HaYeshiva, appearing in concert with Jewish holidays; Gesher, dedicated to Jewish scholarship with articles generally in English; and Beit Yitzchak, which features articles of Talmudic and halakhic analyses.
Special publications have received national and international recognition, such as a Haggadah with commentary, Festivals and Fasts: A Practical Guide, and A Guide to Kashrut.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS Regulations pertaining to MYP alone are given here; those uniformly applicable to all undergraduate schools are given in the section Academic Information and Policies.
Attendance: Students may be subject to disciplinary and academic penalties including probation or pre-probation if they are excessively absent for either hakhanah (preparation) or shiur (lecture).
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Yeshiva University Undergraduate Catalog for Men 2012-2014
Students who are absent on four or more consecutive sessions and wish to have their absences excused should meet with the administrator of MYP on their return. Generally only a note from a physician (or other compelling reason) will be accepted as an excuse for absences based on illness.
Class Assignments: Students are assigned to classes by the dean, bochen, or administrator of MYP based on level and progress of learning as well as on student requests. Changes may be made only with the permission of the dean, bochen, or administrator. Students not attending, or who are attending classes other than those officially assigned to them, may be dropped from MYP. Students receiving notices that they have not been assigned to a class must arrange to see the dean, bochen or administrator immediately.
Maintenance of Academic Standards: Students are required to maintain satisfactory standards of scholastic performance. Students who miss examinations, fail courses, have generally poor academic records, which includes receiving grades below a C+, or have excessive absences will be put on probation or pre-probation and may be dropped from MYP. If a student’s record does not improve sufficiently during the course of the following semester, he may be dropped from MYP and may also be subject to possible dismissal from the school.
Students on full academic probation are limited to 13.5 credits in Yeshiva College or Sy Syms including a mandatory transfer of 3 credits from MYP. Other restrictions follow those of the undergraduate schools as noted in the catalog. Students on pre-probation status are required to transfer 3 credits which are included in the maximum 17.5 Yeshiva College or Sy Syms credits they may take each semester.
Students on probation who receive below a B- or have poor attendance are subject to dismissal. Students on pre-probation who receive below a B- or have poor attendance records are subject to full academic probation.
Students must show positive progression through the program and cannot graduate if in their last semester if they receive less than a 2.0 GPA. Students with two semesters of unsatisfactory work are subject to possible dismissal from the university.
ETHICS AND SCHOLARSHIP
Faculty and students alike seek to create an atmosphere that provides and promotes the highest standards of ethical conduct and scholarship in the achievement of personal and professional goals. All rules and procedures delineated in the academic integrity policy on cheating and plagiarism apply to students in undergraduate Torah studies courses.
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